#BenderaPutih: Where to get help

• UPDATED JULY 5: Added initiatives by Petronas petrol stations.

Launched several days ago, the “#BenderaPutih” (white flag) campaign encourages those who are struggling financially to display a white flag in front of their homes as a sign that they need immediate assistance.

Similar to last year’s “Kita Jaga Kita” initiative, this latest social media campaign comes as many strive to endure the Covid-19 lockdown, now in its fourth week and with no end in sight.

Several businesses and NGOs have since stepped forward to help feed those in need.

Below, Malaysiakini compiles a list of avenues where the needy can get aid. This is not an exhaustive list.

BAC Education Group

The BAC Education Group has initiated the Free Makan Campaign to help feed 10,000 B40 families.

Each family will receive a grocery pack consisting of 5kg rice, 1kg sugar, two packs of 850g flour, 1kg cooking oil, bee hoon, Maggi mee, 500g potatoes, 500g onions, 500g garlic, cream crackers, sardines and salt.

One grocery bag which weighs 13kg can help a family of five with meals for two weeks.

Please reach out to Mithila (+60 12-293 5722) if you need a grocery pack. Visit freemakan for more details.

Various Petronas petrol stations

Petronas is running a food bank programme at almost 200 of its petrol stations nationwide.

The foodbanks provide basic necessities to the needy contributed by various quarters.

A list of the participating petrol stations is listed on Petronas Brands' official Facebook page.

Various Shell petrol stations

Fifty petrol stations across the Klang Valley have begun a “Community Food Box” food bank at their premises. More stations are expected to come on board in the near future.

Those in need can drop by to pick up free supplies like cooking oil, sardines, crackers and rice. Members of the public can also donate food to these initiatives.

A Shell representative confirmed the following participating outlets:

• Banting (Co Banting 3, Jenjarom 2, Olak Lempit)

• Kajang (Bangi Opp Jana, Sungai Long 2, Jalan Kajang Semenyih, Bangi Seksyen 7)

• Klang (Jalan Sungai Putus, Jalan Meru Klang, Jalan Haji Sirat, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Kota Bayuemas, Bandar Botanik Klang, Taman Chi Liung)

• Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Sungai Besi, Jalan Kelang Lama, Jalan Sungai Buloh Kepong, Desa Aman Puri)

• Kuala Selangor (Ijok, Puncak Alam)

• Hulu Selangor (Ligamas Batang Kali)

• Rawang (Rawang)

• Petaling Jaya (Jalan Klang, Bandar Utama, LDP Kelana Jaya, Sungai Besi Puchong Highway,

• Puchong (Puchong Jaya, Jalan Puchong (Putra Perdana), Jalan Puchong KM 12, LDP Puchong, Bandar Kinrara 5, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Puchong Permai)

• Putrajaya (Presint 16)

• Shah Alam (Elite Highway, Federal Highway 4, Persiaran Kayangan Seksyen 7, Bukit Rimau, Seksyen 18, TTDI Jaya)

• Subang Jaya (Putra Heights, USJ 6, SS19, USJ 2, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 18, LDP Putra Heights USJ 25, Federal Highway Subang SIC, Kesas Highway KL-Bound)

• Sungai Buloh (Kota Damansara Sungai Buloh, Kota Damansara Section 6)

Several stations in other states are also involved: ANR Kiosk Nilai (Negeri Sembilan), Senawang Toll (Negeri Sembilan), Pekan Rembau (Negeri Sembilan), Taman Malihah Kuching (Sarawak) and Jalan Tawi Sli Kuching (Sarawak).

The two Kuching food banks operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am.

99 Speedmart

Between July 1 to 14, the supermarket chain is preparing 1,000 aid packages per day for delivery to areas near its outlets.

Those who know of someone who has raised a white flag as a sign for help can inform the supermarket of the person’s house address and send a photo of the white flag at the home.

Messages can either be directed to the supermarket’s Facebook page (private message) or WhatsApp (010-500 0099).

It aims to deliver the goods within 24 hours.

Vit's

On Friday and Saturday (July 2 and 3), the instant noodle manufacturer is dispatching rangers across 16 housing areas in Rawang, Selangor to deliver food to homes that display white flags.

These Vit’s Rangers will operate between 10am to 4pm on both days.

Mamavege Restaurant

This vegetarian restaurant in Bukit Mertajam, Penang is offering meals to those in need.

Those with friends or relatives who are facing financial hardship or food shortage can fill up this Google form to have food delivered to them.

Members of the public can also sponsor the meals at RM5 per box.

SP Advisory

This financial services firm from Skudai, Johor is offering to help those living in Johor Bahru, Masai, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, Skudai, Pontian, and Batu Pahat.

It did not specify what type of assistance it was offering.

Those with information about homes in these areas that have white flags can contact them via phone at 07-554 8666 or 016-725 8666.

Tanah Aina Cafe

This cafe in Shah Alam, Selangor is offering free food every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11am to 1pm and between 6pm to 8pm

They can be contacted at 03-5524 3258.

BMS Organics

This restaurant chain is offering free vegetarian bento boxes at its Puchong Utama, Selangor branch every Tuesday and Saturday from 12noon onwards.

Portions are limited to one meal per person.

Bao Malaysia

Based in Kuala Lumpur, this food business is offering to deliver food and necessities to those in need.

Requests can be made through their Instagram account or WhatsApp (013-801 3490).

Dapur Chemek

This restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Selangor is offering free food every Tuesday and Friday between 11am to 1pm and between 5pm to 7pm.

Requests can be made via WhatsApp (019-409 5040 or 012-202 0012) or through their Instagram account (direct message).

Baan Thai Restaurant

This restaurant has started a food bank at its Cheras, Kuala Lumpur outlet. Those in need can drop by for essentials.

They are also offering to deliver essentials to those within 10km of their outlet.

Members of the public can inform them of anyone who has raised white flags via their Facebook page (direct message) or WeChat. Include the person’s address and a photograph of the white flag in question.

Persatuan Kebajikan Prihatin Penyayang Pulau Pinang

This NGO is offering help to the needy in Penang.

It did not specify what type of assistance it is offering.

It encouraged the public to contact them via phone at 011-629 8108 if they know of those with white flags outside their homes.

BAC Education Group

The BAC Education Group has initiated the Free Makan Campaign to help feed 10,000 B40 families.

Each family will receive a grocery pack consisting of 5kg rice, 1kg sugar, two packs of 850g flour, 1kg cooking oil, beehoon, Maggi mee, 500g potatoes, 500g onions, 500g garlic, cream crackers, sardines and salt.

One grocery bag which weighs 13kg can help a family of five with meals for two weeks.

Please reach out to Mithila (+60 12-293 5722) if you need a grocery pack. Visit freemakan.com for more details.